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Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 - User Manual

Harley-Davidson Sportster 883
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SafetyFirst
SafeOperatingRules
Motorcyclesaredifferentfromothervehicles.Theyoperate,steer,handleandbrake
differently.Unskilledorimproperusecouldresultinlossofcontrol,deathorseriousinjury.
(00556c)
Takearidertrainingcourse.
Readowner'smanualbeforeriding,addingaccessoriesorservicing.
Wearahelmet,eyeprotectionandprotectiveclothing.
Nevertowatrailer.
Beforeoperatingyourmotorcycle,readandfollowtheoperatingandmaintenanceinstructionsinthismanual.Followthesebasicrulesforyourpersonal
safety.
Knowandrespecttherulesoftheroad.Carefullyreadandfamiliarizeyourselfwiththemotorcyclesafetyinformationprovidedbyyourcountryor
state.ReadtheRIDINGTIPSbookletinyourowner'skit(intheU.S.)andtheMOTORCYCLEHANDBOOKfromyourstateorregionaltraffic
authority.TheRIDINGTIPSbookletisalsoavailableonwww.msfusa.org.SeeRulesoftheRoad.
Beforestartingengine,checkforproperoperationofbrake,clutch,shifter,throttlecontrols,correctfuelandoilsupply.
HarleyDavidsonpartsandaccessoriesaredesignedforHarleyDavidsonmotorcycles.Using
nonHarleyDavidsonpartsoraccessoriescanadverselyaffectperformance,stabilityor
handling,whichcouldresultindeathorseriousinjury.(00001b)
UseonlyHarleyDavidsonapprovedpartsandaccessories.Useofcertainothermanufacturer'sperformancepartsmayvoidyournewmotorcycle
warranty,exceptwhereprohibitedbylaw.SeeyourHarleyDavidsondealerfordetails.
Stoptheenginewhenrefuelingorservicingthefuelsystem.Donotsmokeorallowopen
flameorsparksneargasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandhighlyexplosive,which
couldresultindeathorseriousinjury.(00002a)
2016Iron883Owner'sManual
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Summary

Safety First

Safe Operating Rules

Essential guidelines for safe motorcycle operation and handling before riding.

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

Rules of the Road

Accessories and Cargo

Noise Control System

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Location

Describes the physical location of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the motorcycle.

Abbreviated VIN

Explains the abbreviated VIN format showing vehicle model, engine type, and year.

Typical Harley-Davidson VIN: 2016 Sportster Models

Specifications

Transmission

Details the transmission type and number of forward speeds for the motorcycle.

Engine

Provides specifications for the motorcycle's engine, including cylinders, type, bore, and stroke.

Specified Tires

Controls and Indicators

General: Controls and Indicators

Overview of motorcycle controls and indicators, crucial for safe operation.

Keyed Ignition

Explains the operation of the keyed ignition system for starting and powering the motorcycle.

Ignition Switch

Ignition Switch: Sportster Models

Details the positions and functions of the ignition switch on Sportster models.

Keyless Ignition

Ignition Mode

Describes how to start and operate the motorcycle using the ignition modes.

Accessory Mode

Explains how to activate accessory mode for powering instruments and accessories.

Primary Controls

Clutch Hand Lever

Details the operation and function of the clutch hand lever.

Gear Shift Lever

Explains the location and operation of the gear shift lever.

Front Brake Lever

Describes the operation of the front brake lever.

Throttle Control Grip

Explains the operation of the throttle control grip and adjustment screw.

Rear Brake Pedal

Left Hand Control Switches

Trip

How to use the TRIP switch to alternate odometer displays.

Horn

How to operate the horn using the left hand switch module.

High Beam

How to activate the high beam and the indicator lamp.

Left Turn Signal

Left Hand Switch Module

Left Hand Control Switches

Details functions of switches on the left handlebar, including trip, horn, and beams.

Right Hand Control Switches

Hazard Warning 4-Way Flasher

Instructions for activating and using the hazard warning flashers.

Start

Procedure for starting the motorcycle engine using the start switch.

Engine Off

How to turn off the engine and disconnect electric power.

Engine Run

How to enable engine start and run using the RUN switch.

Turn Signal Switch Operation

Operating

How to activate and cancel turn signal lamps.

Automatic Canceling

Explanation of how turn signal lamps automatically cancel after a turn.

Manual Canceling

Procedure for manually canceling turn signals and activating opposite signals.

Instruments

Speedometer

Information on the speedometer display, including units and backlight.

Odometer

Details on the odometer window, selectable displays, and unit changing.

Gear Selection;Tachometer

Tip Message

No Fob Message

Sidestand Message

Instrument Lamps

Check Engine

Explanation of the check engine lamp's function and when it illuminates.

Low Fuel

Indicates when fuel falls below reserve level; amber lamp color.

Battery

Red battery charging lamp indicates over/undercharging.

Security Lamp

Red security lamp indicates system is armed.

ABS Lamp

Gear Shift Lever

Location

Describes the location of the gear shift lever on the motorcycle.

Shift Pattern

Illustrates the gear shifting pattern for the motorcycle's transmission.

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

Identification

How to identify Sportster models equipped with ABS via wheel speed sensors.

Brake System

Front Brake Lever

Details the operation of the front brake lever.

Non-ABS Brake System

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

How ABS Works

Explains the operational principles of the Anti-lock Brake System.

How To Use ABS

Provides guidance on the proper usage of the Anti-lock Brake System.

ABS: Tires and Wheels

Jiffy Stand

Rear View Mirrors

Fuel Filler Cap

Locking Fuel Filler Cap (Japan and Asia Pacific)

Removal

Steps for removing the locking fuel filler cap.

Installation

Steps for installing the locking fuel filler cap.

Fork Lock

Windshield: XL1200 T

Removal

Steps for removing the windshield from the motorcycle.

Installation

Steps for installing the windshield onto the motorcycle.

Identify Length of Shock

Identify the Preload Dot

Low Travel Shocks Preload

Shock Adjustment

Shock Absorber Preload: XL1200 T

Luggage

Saddlebags: XL1200 T

Open

Steps for opening the saddlebag lid.

Close

Steps for closing and locking the saddlebag lid.

Side-Mounted License Plate

Security System

Components

Details the components of the security system: module, antenna, and fob.

Security System Fob

Fob Assignment

Process of electronically assigning key fobs to the motorcycle's security system.

Riding with a Fob

Personal Identification Number (PIN)

Changing the PIN

Procedure for changing the Personal Identification Number for the security system.

Arming and Disarming

Arming

Steps and indicators for arming the motorcycle's security system.

Disarming

How the security system disarms via fob or PIN entry.

Disarming with a PIN

Steps for disarming the system using the Personal Identification Number.

Entering a PIN to Disarm Security System

Alarm

Alarm Activation

What happens when the security system detects motion after warnings.

Alarm Deactivation

How to stop the alarm using the key fob or PIN entry.

Siren Chirp Mode (Confirmation)

Chirp Mode

Enables siren chirps for arming and disarming confirmation.

Chirpless Mode

Disables siren chirps for arming and disarming.

Transport Mode

To Enter Transport Mode

Procedure to enable transport mode for moving the motorcycle without motion detection.

To Exit Transport Mode

Steps to disarm the system and exit transport mode.

Fob Battery

Replacing the Battery

Step-by-step guide for replacing the battery in the security system fob.

Troubleshooting

Security Lamp

Troubleshooting steps if the security lamp stays illuminated while riding.

Fob

Troubleshooting common issues with the security system fob.

Siren

Troubleshooting common issues with the security system siren.

Operating Recommendations

Break-in Riding Rules

The First 500 Miles (800 Kilometers)

Recommended riding rules for the first 500 miles to ensure proper engine wear-in.

Pre-Riding Checklist

Starting the Engine

Starting after Tip Over

Shifting Gears

Upshift (Acceleration)

Downshift (Deceleration)

Stopping the Engine

Maintenance and Lubrication

Safe Operating Maintenance

Break-In Maintenance

Engine Lubrication

Recommended Engine Oils

Checking and Adding Oil

Oil Level Cold Check

Oil Level Hot Check

Changing Oil and Filter

Installing Oil Filter

Refilling Oil Tank

Winter Lubrication

Transmission Lubrication

Check Lubricant Level

Changing Lubricant

Primary Chain Inspection

Primary Chain Adjustment

Check Drive Belt Deflection

Chassis Lubrication

Oil Applications

Mechanical Clutch

Brakes

Brake Pads

Tires

Tire Replacement

Tread Wear

Spark Plugs

Air Cleaner

Removal

Steps for removing the air cleaner cover and element for inspection.

Cleaning Filter Element

Headlamp Bulb

Removal

Steps for removing the headlamp bulb.

Headlamp

Installation

Steps for installing the headlamp bulb assembly.

Headlamp Adjustment

Adjustment: XL1200 C, XL1200 CA, XL1200 CB, XL1200 CP, XL1200 V, XL1200 X

Procedure for adjusting the headlamp horizontally and vertically for specific models.

Headlamp Alignment

Adjustment: XL883 L, XL883 N, XL1200 T

Turn Signal Bulb Replacement: Bullet Style

Tail Lamp Bulb Replacement

Stop Lamps

Left Side Cover

Opening

Steps to open the left side cover to access battery and fuses.

Closing

Steps to close and secure the left side cover.

Battery Maintenance

Type

Information on the Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery type used.

Voltmeter Test

Charging

Storage

Disconnection and Removal

Remove seat

Step to remove the seat before accessing the battery compartment.

Installation and Connection

Jump Starting

Connection

Steps for correctly connecting jumper cables for jump starting.

Disconnection

Steps for correctly disconnecting jumper cables after jump starting.

Fuses

Fuse Replacement

Main Fuse

Seat

Removal

Steps for removing the motorcycle seat.

Installation

Steps for installing the motorcycle seat.

Motorcycle Storage

Placing Motorcycle in Storage

Removing Motorcycle from Storage

Care and Cleaning

Cleaning and General Care

General guidelines for cleaning and protecting the motorcycle's surfaces.

Recommended Cleaning and Care Products

Washing the Motorcycle

Cleaning Wheels and Tires

Drying the Motorcycle

Polishing and Sealing

Denim Finish Care

Leather and Vinyl Care

Wheel Care

Windshield Care

Troubleshooting

Engine

Specific troubleshooting steps for engine-related problems.

Starts Hard

Starts But Runs Irregularly or Misses

Overheats

Engine Oil Not Circulating (Oil Pressure Lamp Lit)

Electrical System

Alternator Does Not Charge

Diagnoses causes for the alternator not charging the battery.

Alternator Charge Rate is Below Normal

Troubleshooting steps when the alternator charge rate is low.

Transmission

Transmission Shifts Hard

Diagnoses why transmission shifts are difficult.

Transmission Jumps Out of Gear

Diagnoses causes for the transmission jumping out of gear.

Clutch Slips

Brakes

Brakes Do Not Hold Normally

Accessories

Genuine Motor Parts and Accessories

Information on purchasing genuine Harley-Davidson parts and accessories.

Online Catalog

Accessing the full Genuine Motor Parts and Accessories catalog online.

Warranties and Responsibilities

Warranty and Maintenance

Details your new motorcycle's limited warranty and maintenance record.

Warranty;Service Information

Questions and Concerns

Limited Motorcycle Warranty

24 Months;Unlimited Miles

Specifies the duration of the limited warranty for the motorcycle.

Owners Obligations

Other Limitations

Important: Read Carefully

Limited Motorcycle Warranty (Australia)

24 Months;Unlimited Miles

Specifies the duration of the limited warranty for Australian and New Zealand models.

Warranty

Warranty Period

Details the start and duration of the H-D Motorcycle Warranty.

Obtaining Warranty Service

Limited Noise Warranty

Recommendations for Required Maintenance

Limited Emission Warranty

Items Covered by this Emission Warranty

What Is Not Covered by this Emission Warranty

California Emissions Control Warranty

Your Warranty Rights and Obligations

Manufacturers Warranty Coverage

Owners Warranty Responsibilities

Maintenance Scheduling

Service Records

Regular Service Intervals

Regular Service Intervals: 2016 Sportster Models

Maintenance Records

Owners Maintenance Records

Service Literature

Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Displacement883 cc
Fuel SystemElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Transmission5-speed
Front BrakesSingle disc
Rear BrakesSingle disc
Final DriveBelt
Front Tire100/90-19
Engine TypeAir-cooled, Evolution
Compression Ratio9.0:1
Front Suspension39 mm telescopic fork
Rear Tire150/80-16
Fuel Capacity3.3 gal.
Bore x Stroke76.2 mm x 96.8 mm

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